Sightseeing Entry

St Paul’s Church Hall, Canterbury, CT1 1NH

ALL welcome – rusty singers included!

Turn up for a cuppa and a biscuit, followed by sociable singing to put a smile on your face, led by Jamie Rogers, Assistant Director of Music, and our Choral Scholars.

Please join us between 14:00-15:00 on the following Mondays:

*The Big FRIENDly Sing! - Saturday 10 May*

• 12 May
• 9 June
• 14 July

NEW DATES ADDED REGULARLY

Free to attend but donations welcomed.

All welcome. No need to book.

Organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Charity No 1210093).

8 - 9 June

Discover an incredible opportunity to explore England’s rich heritage and be part of a truly special event that connects people and places. Join us for 1, 2 or even all 42 stages!

This year’s 2,000-mile relay starts at Bradford Cathedral on Saturday 24 May, and the 42nd stage ends back at Bradford Cathedral on Saturday 5 July, having followed the route first established in 2021.

The Cathedral Cycle Relay (CCR) is open to all - whatever your beliefs, background, or age - and we are looking for cyclists who would like to ride some or all of our stage of this year’s relay, from Canterbury to Guildford. It is split over two days, leaving Canterbury on Sunday 8 June and arriving in Guildford on Monday 9 June, after an overnight stop (likely at Tonbridge).

Please join us for our monthly film screenings in the Cathedral Lodge AV Room.

Films start at 14:00.

11 May Kinds of Kindness (2024) | 18

8 June Babette's Feast (1987) | U

13 July 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) | U

14 September The Boy And The Heron (2023) | 12

12 October Pan's Labyrinth (2006) | 15

9 November The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943) | U

14 December Past Lives (2023) | 12

11 January 2026 EO (2022) | 15

The first rule of Film Club, is that there is no charge for Film Club...(but any donations are gratefully received!)

SESSION RECORDINGS AVAILABLE

This book group has now concluded, but you can still watch the session recordings to read and reflect on the text in your own time.

Walter Hilton is widely regarded as the first among medieval English mystics, and The Ladder has provided continuous inspiration since its appearance six centuries ago.

It is addressed to a ‘ghostly sister in Jesus Christ’ (a solitary and probably well known to the author) and was written to be of immediate practical help to her in her struggle for spiritual growth.

Dates in May & June

Join us for our step-free tours, delivered at a gentle pace, in a smaller group; split into two parts, with a comfort break.

Hear the story of Thomas Becket, our most famous Archbishop, and see the site of his murder and feast your eyes on some of our oldest stained glass windows.

Explore the Quire and a ‘Cadaver tomb’, contrast medieval and dramatic modern windows and find out why there is a cannonball in an Archbishop’s tomb!

Dates:

• Thursdays 1, 15 & 29 May, between 14:15-16:00
• Thursdays 12 & 26 June, between 14:15-16:00

£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.

Mondays, during choir term time (between 28 April - 7 July), 12:30-13:00 in the Crypt

The worship of Taizé is based on simple repetitive chants, the reading of scripture and silence.

All are welcome to come and experience this way of praying as we connect with God and one another through sound and silence.

In person only.

This event is free, but donations are kindly accepted.

On display throughout May, in the North Quire Aisle

This fine hand-written volume records the names of the 121 civilians who died in Canterbury during World War II.

with Robin Walker, The King’s School, Canterbury

One in our series of informal organ recitals, featuring the Cathedral’s resident organists and guests.

Free and un-ticketed, with a retiring collection.

See recital programme in the monthly Services and Music List

Saturday 3 May, 10:30-16:00 in the Crypt

An opportunity to meet and know yourself, meet the divine or sacred, and relate to others.

Pray and be mindful as you take a meditative walk using a medieval maze pattern.

Monday 5 - Friday 9 May, during café opening hours

During your visit to the Cathedral, pop in to our onsite Lounge café and enjoy traditional fish and chips - Britain’s favourite dish - to celebrate VE Day.

A limited time only addition to the everyday Lunch and light bites menu!

Why Fish and Chips? To pay tribute to the brave fishermen who fished the seas and the farmers and land girls who toiled in the fields.

See menu on the day for prices. No need to book.

Tuesdays over 10 weeks (starting 6 May), 20:00 - 21:00 GMT via Zoom

The Fire of Love presents the thoughts and feelings of the 14th-century hermit Richard Rolle, as he confronts the divine mystery. Rolle’s personal love of God and the sweetness and melody of his writings assure his place among the foremost pre-Reformation English mystics.

Join Canon Emma online via Zoom to reflect and discuss this profound exploration of the love of God.

This group is free, but donations are kindly accepted.

Booking essential - Book your space to be sent a Zoom link.

Dates in April - June (New dates added regularly)

Discover the strong bond that Canterbury Cathedral has with the United States.

This is the story of centuries of friendship across the Atlantic.

Dates:

• Victory in Europe (VE) Day: Thurs 8 May, 11:15-12:30
• Memorial Day: Mon 26 May, 11:15-12:30
• Juneteenth National Independence Day: Thurs 19 June, 11:15-12:30
• Fri 27 June, 11:15-12:30

£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.

Dates in May & June

The Corona Chapel was built in the 12th century to house the crown - ‘corona’ in Latin - of St Thomas Becket’s skull, which had been sliced off during his murder and was revered as a saintly relic.

Explore the Chapel, usually closed to the public, before climbing the 95 steps to the top of the Corona Tower itself!

Dates:

• Wednesdays 7, 14, 21 & 28 May, 14:15-15:15
• Fridays 9, 16, 23 & 30 May, 14:15-15:15
• Fridays 6, 13, 20 & 27 June, 14:15-15:15
• Wednesdays 11, 18 & 25 June, 14:15-15:15

£12 per person. Cathedral admission not included.

This is a popular tour; pre-booking suggested. Over 16s only.

Read full tour information and restrictions before booking.

Throughout May

This year, the nation celebrates the 80th Anniversary of ‘Victory in Europe Day’ (VE Day), which marked the end of the war in Europe on May 8th 1945.

In honour of this day, we are holding a special programme of services and events at Canterbury Cathedral.

The Canterbury Book of Remembrance
On display throughout May

Choral Evensong to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day^†
Thurs 8 May, 17:30

Ringing Out in Celebration of Peace
Thurs 8 May, 18:30

FREE* WWII-themed Mini Talks
Thurs 8 May - Between 10:00-16:00, various intervals

‘The Cathedral in WWII’ Tours
Between Mon 5 - Sat 10 May

† Live streamed on YouTube

*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Kids go FREE every day! (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.

Dates in May & June

Our Cathedral Library collection includes books from the early decades of printing onwards, including books from some of the earliest European printing presses.

Join a guided tour to learn more about the Library and to explore some of the collection close-up.

Dates:

• Thursday 15 May, 14:00-15:00
• Thursday 12 June, 14:00-15:00
• Thursday 26 June, 14:00-15:00

£8 per person, plus admission charge.

Pre-booking required, not suitable for under 12s.

Mondays 19 May & 16 June, 10:15-17:15

Join us for a fascinating day of exploration!

Discover the history of gardening at the Cathedral, with a talk by members of our gardening team, and a chance to see some items from the wonderful collections of the Archives and Library relating to gardens and wildlife.

Enjoy a two-course hot lunch in the Refectory Restaurant, followed by a tour of the Cathedral gardens, with tea, coffee and cake to finish the day.

£67 per person

Thursday 22 May, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium

2025 is the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen.

Author of some of the best-known novels in English literature, Austen had many connections to Kent, and is known to have visited our Cathedral and Canterbury.

In this talk, Dr Susan Civale, Reader in Romanticism at Canterbury Christ Church University, reveals more.

Tickets: £10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral, £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee.

This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).

Dates in May - October

Discover the Cathedral when it is closed to the public, on an exclusive guided tour taken ‘out of hours’ led by one of our expert guides, who will share many fascinating stories with you.

This tour is perfect for history lovers and those seeking a unique way to enjoy the Cathedral - book your exclusive evening tour now and look forward to an truly special experience.

Dates:

• Fri 23 May, 18:30-20:00
• Fri 20 June, 18:30-20:00
• Fri 18 July, 18:30-20:00
• Fri 22 August, 18:30-20:00
• Fri 12 September, 18:30-20:00
• Fri 3 October, 18:30-20:00

£40 per person. Pre-booking required.

Tues 27 - Thurs 29 May, 11:00-15:00

Help Gregory Gargoyle on his Stone Quest and try your hand at carving!

Carve your initials into stone with the Cathedral stonemasons.

Follow the Stone Quest trail map to explore different parts of the Cathedral, answering questions and completing challenges along the way!

Activity book included

Drop-in activities; no need to book.

*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Kids go FREE every day! (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.

with Simon Hogan, Southwark Cathedral 

One in our series of informal organ recitals, featuring the Cathedral’s resident organists and guests.

Free and un-ticketed, with a retiring collection.

See recital programme in the monthly Services and Music List

Monday 9 June, 14:15-16:30

This year marks 800 years since the issue of the 1225 Magna Carta under King Henry III. It was this which became the final version of the document, rather than the first Magna Carta of King John of 1215.

In this illustrated talk, Cressida Williams, Cathedral Archivist, will talk about the importance of Magna Carta, including its associations with Canterbury.

The talk will be followed by a full afternoon tea in the Refectory Restaurant at Cathedral Lodge.

£27 per person

with our Cathedral Choral and Organ Scholars

Wed 11 June - Ellen Griffiths (Alto)
Wed 18 June - Benjamin Ferriby (Bass)
Wed 25 June - Ivan Leung and Jamie Rogers (Piano)

*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Kids go FREE every day! (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.

Friday 13 & Saturday 14 June, 19:00-21:00

Cinema’s most iconic music performed by the Illuminated Orchestra, enhanced by a stunning light show!

Featuring music from Inception, Interstellar, Gladiator, Jurassic Park, E.T., Harry Potter, James Bond, Lord of the Rings, Lion King, Star Wars, Titanic, and much more.

“An incredible show, a true spectacle”

“First-class entertainment by first-class musicians”

“A wonderful evening with magical music”

Image © MEGA Events

Mon 16 - Sun 22 June, various events

Join us to celebrate the power of community to bring people together who have fled from disparate parts of the world as a result of war, oppression, abuse and climate change.

Organised by Canterbury Cathedral, The Social Justice Network and the Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN).

More details to be announced on our website and socials soon

Our Cathedral Studios workshop is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of Stained Glass Heritage.

Visit the studio, meet one of our conservators and learn more about their specialist work in the conservation, restoration and protection of our historic stained glass.

£25 per person. Cathedral admission not included.

Pre-booking required; not suitable for under 18s.

Friday 27 June, 10:00-16:00 in the Community Studio

Join Royal School of Needlework tutor, Kathryn Sanders, to create your own stunning design inspired by a James I Charter issued to the City of Canterbury.

There will also be an opportunity to visit the Cathedral Archives, to enjoy a brief curated viewing of the original Charter, which is an exquisite illuminated document of historic significance.

This exclusive project is part of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral’s unique association with the Royal School of Needlework; dating back to the 1930s.

The class cost is £170 per student and includes all materials and necessary equipment to complete the project.

Image © Royal School of Needlework

Saturday 28 June, 19:30 in the Cathedral Nave*

A concert of music, sung by the Canterbury Cathedral Choirs, and members of the Crypt Choir from the King’s School (of which Robert was Chair of Governors).

All are welcome to attend.

Free event; with donations encouraged in Dean Robert’s memory,
to The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Charity No: 1210093).

Booking required to reserve a seat.

* This event is in person only, and will not be live streamed or recorded.

Sat 5 July, from 11:00

Join us for the 10th year of one of Kent's favourite historic events!

Dates in July & August

These full day tours run 09:30-16:30

Discover more about the introduction of Roman Christianity to Britain on this unique fully-guided tour experience which takes you through the heartland of historic Canterbury.

Delve deeper into history with a guided tour at each location, and enjoy a sandwich lunch in beautiful gardens overlooking Canterbury Cathedral - all included.

Dates:

• Friday 11 July
• Tuesday 29 July
• Friday 1 August
• Thursday 14 August

£59.95 per person

Monday 4 August, 13:00

Shakespeare’s most magical play, bursting with mayhem, comedy, romance, and surprises!

Having developed a reputation for producing first-rate, critically-acclaimed, and highly accessible adaptations of Shakespeare’s work, Immersion Theatre – the multi-award nominated company behind last year’s smash hit “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, proudly presents The Tempest; Shakespeare’s unforgettable tale of magic, romance, comedy, and revenge! With heaps of audience participation, this mesmerising show will be brought to life in unforgettable style, perfect for both seasoned theatre-goers and newcomers to Shakespeare’s work. Not to be missed!

Recommended age: 8+

Saturday 30 August, 13:00

Pack your picnics and join Ratty, Mole, Badger, and the fantastically irrepressible Toad as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime culminating in a colourful battle to save Toad Hall from the mischievous weasels!

Multi-award nominated Immersion Theatre proudly bring their trademark style and energy to the riverbank with heaps of interaction, stunning costumes, toe-tapping music, and larger-than-life characters,

A TOAD-ally terrific treat whether you’re 4 or 104!

Recommended age: 4+